Learning is a constant trial and error activity with positive outcomes as a goal. With that in mind, it becomes imperative that we, as adults working with children, provide encouragement. That includes monitoring our words and body language. A parenting magazine as well as www.kidshealth.com agree, suggesting that we think about how our split second… Read More »
Ever had a class load of students who needed help, all at the same time? Or students who want privacy, but your room has no nooks and crannies? It can be frustrating and difficult to reach them. (Insert my suggestion that you have classroom volunteers to help you!) To overcome the waving hands, try the… Read More »
Grab your blender or a few bowls and start building your children’s food experiences. You mighty be able to introduce new foods to their ‘like’ list. Blender Drinks Summer is a great time to blend up nutritious drinks. 1 cup fruit + ½ cup juice + ¼ cup yogurt + 3 ice cubes = I… Read More »
Any time is graph time. Creating a graph center at school or at home on the refrigerator is a simple way keep kids thinking. Use a variety of graphs: 1. bar graphs (vertical and horizontal) 2. pie charts 3. picto graphs 4. line graphs 5. area graphs Use them around the year graphing everything from… Read More »
Remember hearing young children say,”I can do it myself!” and struggling to do the task? That’s the statement we want to hear from students. When they solve their own problems it indicates we’ve given them important skills that will reach beyond the classroom. But what are the early steps in building that independence and problem… Read More »
It’s important to take short breaks during a long work time to refresh your brain. Same for students; especially young students, new-to-learning in classrooms. For them it needs to include movement. Try these simple ideas during a 3-5 minute break. 1. Stretching. Stand in an open space. Reach for the sky, the floor, the walls,… Read More »
It’s fun to play with words. We can practice higher level thinking and reasoning skills while using everyday words in new combinations. 50 Word World You may have only 50 words to speak and write. What words will you choose? Why will you choose them? Make your list and defend it against others’ lists. After… Read More »
It’s easy for the time in a group to appear to evaporate. Just as you finally get to the lesson/activity, your time ends. There are ways to prevent that. Mostly it’s planning and sticking to your time limits. Let’s assume you have all your materials gathered, you know your lesson/activity, and that you know how… Read More »
Your group lesson is done, time is ending… now what? It’s time to begin your closing activity. Closing activity? Can’t I just tell the students good by and move on? Only if you want to be left with clean-up and setting up for your next group that will be anxious to start their first encounter… Read More »
Well-trained classroom assistants become a vital part of your classroom. They bring extra help, energy and enthusiasm as a well as extra hands interested in helping students. Remember T.E.A.C.H. as you work with them. T. Train assistants and Thank them daily. Take the time to observe their interactions with students and adults in the classroom.… Read More »